Device for applying a transcutaneous stimulus or for transcutaneous measuring of a parameter

• US 7,797,042 B2
• Filed: 05/18/2007
• Issued: 09/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cerbomed GmbH (tVNS Technologies GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Cerbomed GmbH (tVNS Technologies GmbH)
• Inventors: Dietrich, Stefan, Freitag, Timo
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Porter, Jr.; Gary A.
• Application Number:
  US11/750,495
• Publication Number:
  US 20080249594A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,215 Days
• Field of Search: 607/45, 607/46, 607/55
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 21/00 Massage devices for cavities of the body , e.g. nose, ears and anus for the genitals A61H19/00; Vibration or percussion related aspects A61H23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1645 contoured to fit the user
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/027 Ears
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 39/002 Using electric currents electrotherapy A61N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0541 Cochlear electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36014 External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes external pacemakers A61N1/3625
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36036 of the outer, middle or inner ear

Abstract

The apparatus for transcutaneous stimulation or transcutaneous measurement of a parameter is a device which fits wholly within the pinna (external ear) of the vertebrate. In order to fit completely within the pinna, the housing is C-shaped and from each end of the housing is a curved section which has a spring action that holds the apparatus inside the ear. This apparatus has a compact design which allows for nerve stimulation in a particularly efficient, ergonomically favorable and easy manipulation for the patient.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transcutaneous stimulation of the skin of a human comprising:

a housing configured to fit completely in a pinna of the human;

a stimulation unit, housed within the housing, configured to produce an electronic stimulation signal;

electronic controls, housed in the housing, configured to control the transcutaneous stimulation;

a first curved section having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the proximal end of the first curved section is attached to one end of the housing;

a second curved section having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second curved section is attached to the other end of the housing, each of the curved sections having a spring action for securing the housing and the curved sections in the pinna;

a first electrode mounted at the distal end of the first curved section; and

a second electrode mounted at the distal end of the second curved section, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the electronic controls and are configured to apply stimulation to the skin.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the housing has a C-shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the housing and curved sections have an overall C-shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the curved sections are made of wire.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the electrodes are spherically shaped.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the housing and the curved sections are designed so that the electrodes rest in a region of or near a tragus.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein

the curved sections are designed to rest on the skin above the vagus nerve.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the housing and the curved sections consist of deformable material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the housing consists of a combination of two materials.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the electronic controls include a rechargeable battery.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an ear phone mounted on the housing.

12. An apparatus for transcutaneous measurement of a parameter from the skin of a human comprising:

a housing configured to fit completely in a pinna of the human;

a sensing unit, housed within the housing, configured to measure a physiological, a pathophysiological or a physical parameter;

electronic controls, housed in the housing, configured to control the measuring of the parameters;

a first curved section having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the proximal end of the first curved section is attached to one end of the housing;

a second curved section having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second curved section is attached to the other end of the housing, each of the curved sections having a spring action for securing the housing and the curved sections in the pinna;

a first electrode mounted at the distal end of the first curved section; and

a second electrode mounted at the distal end of the second curved section, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the electronic controls and are configured to measure the parameter from the skin.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the housing has a C-shape.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the housing and curved sections have an overall C-shape.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the curved sections are made of wire.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the electrodes are spherically shaped.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the housing and the curved sections consist of deformable material.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the housing consists of a combination of two materials.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein

the electronic controls include a rechargeable battery.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

an ear phone mounted on the housing.